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76 by his influence over De Guiche. De Wardes had that keen and observant penetration which all evil natures possess; he had immediately remarked De Guiche's melancholy, and the nature of his regard for the princess. Instead, however, of treating the subject with the same reserve which Eaoul had practiced; instead of regarding with that respect, which was their due, the obligations and duties of society, De Wardes resolutely attacked in the count that ever-sounding chord of juvenile audacity and egotistical pride. It happened one evening, during a halt at Nantes, that while De Guiche and De Wardes were leaning against a barrier, engaged in conversation, Buckingham and Raoul were also talking together as they walked up and down. Mauicamp was engaged in devotional attentions to the princesses, who already treated him without any reserve, on account of his versatile fancy, his frank courtesy of manner, and conciliatory disposition.

"Confess," said De Wardes, "that you are really ill, and that your pedagogue of a friend has not succeeded in curing you."

"I do not understand you," said the count.

"And yet it is easy enough; you are dying for love."

"You are mad, De Wardes."

"Madness it would be, I admit, if madame were really indifferent to your martyrdom; but she takes so much notice of it, observes it to such an extent, that she compromises herself, and I tremble lest, on our arrival at Paris, Monsieur de Bragelonne may not denounce both of you."

"For shame, De Wardes, again attacking De Bragelonne!"

"Come, come! a truce to child's play," replied the count's evil genius, in an undertone; "you know as well as I do what I mean. Besides, you must have observed how the princess' glance softens as she looks at you; you can tell, by the very inflection of her voice, what pleasure she takes in listening to you, and can feel how thoroughly she appreciates the verses you recite to her. You cannot deny, too, that every morning she tells you how indifferently she slept the previous night."

"True, De Wardes, quite true; but what good is there in your telling me all that?"

"Is it not important to know the exact position of affairs?"

"No, no; not when I am a witness of things which are enough to drive one mad."

"Stay, stay," said De Wardes; "look, she calls you — do you understand? Profit by the occasion, for your pedagogue is not here."